September 2020

In this email:
  • Candidate Forum - September 30 & October 1
  • City of Simi Valley Business Assistance & Rental Assistance Grant Programs
  • County of Ventura Approves Additional Industries to Open Indoors and Other Changes
  • 2020 Voter's Guide
  • Verify Your Voter Registration Status
  • Online Sexual Harassment Prevention Training - Must Be Completed by 12/31/2020
  • LAF Meeting - October 27
  • IMPACT California Resources
Simi Valley Chamber Presents Free Candidate Forums for the Business Community
Ahead of the general election on November 3, 2020, the Simi Valley Chamber is hosting two virtual Candidate Forums free for the business community. These forums are an opportunity for voters to hear firsthand from candidates running for offices within the district. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet & greet virtually with the candidates after the formal program.

To best utilize the program, attendees are asked to join the platform on a laptop or computer with video and microphone capabilities and use Chrome for the browser.
City of Simi Valley Releases Guidelines for Business Assistance Grant Program
The City of Simi Valley recently announced their Small Business Grant (SBG) Program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible, locally-owned small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus to help continue operations and retain employees. The grant fund's intended use is for payroll and/or rent/mortgage expenses.

Applicants may receive up to $5,000 i the form of a grant that will not require repayment. For a full list of criteria and to apply for the grant, click here.

The City additionally released information regarding the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program, which offers a one-time amount of $5,000 or three months of rent payment, whichever is less, to eligible, income-qualified applicant households impacted by COVID-19. For more information and to apply for the ERA program, click here.

Applications for both programs will be accepted from September 23rd through October 9th, 2020. For more information, visit the City website.
Ventura County Approves Reopening of Certain Indoor Industries and Changes to Restrictions
This week, Ventura County issued updates to the previous county orders permitting additional industries to reopen their indoor operations, resume operations, and expand operations.

Nail salons have been permitted to reopen for indoor services following the Expanded Personal Services guidance.

Campgrounds can be open at 100% capacity following campgrounds, RV parks, and recreation guidance.

Alcohol-serving establishments can now now be open until 11:00 PM. Operations must still be conducted outdoors. Read more here.

Ventura County currently remains in the Widespread/Purple Tier on the County Risk Level list. To view the other industries permitted to operate and to see the restrictions at this level, click here.
2020 General Election Voter's Guide Available for Business and Community Members
The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Voter's Guide is designed to provide Simi Valley voters with an overview of the ballot measures and candidates that they have the opportunity to vote for in the 2020 General Election. 

In the guide, you will find the Simi Valley Chamber's position on a number of the ballot measures that will be present on your 2020 General Election Ballot. The Simi Valley Chamber takes positions on ballot measures that would either positively or negatively impact the business community. 

The Simi Valley Chamber does not endorse candidates for election. The information included in this guide has been provided by the candidate in an effort to educate voters on their positions prior to the election.

Be sure to download the Voter's Guide and become informed before you submit your vote by November 3, 2020.

The Simi Valley Chamber is a nonpartisan organization and this guide is not designed to endorse or promote one candidate in particular.
Verify Your Voter Registration and Plan for Election Day
As a reminder, every registered voter in Ventura County will receive a vote by mail ballot for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election.

Ballots will be mailed approximately 29 days before Election Day (October 5, 2020).

Verify your voter registration status HERE before ballots are mailed out.

Ballots can be mailed back in the postage paid envelope and must be postmarked by November 3, 2020. Ballots can also be dropped off at one of the official ballot drop locations in Simi Valley from October 6 - November 3 at 8 PM. There will also be a number of in-person voting locations in Simi Valley open from Saturday, October 31st - Tuesday, November 3rd. Find a list of ballot drop and in-person voting locations HERE.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Must Be Provided by December 31, 2020
California employers must provide sexual harassment prevention training to their employees by the end of 2020. This law requires all employees -- supervisory and nonsupervisory -- to be trained by January 1, 2021. Supervisory employees must be trained each year, and nonsupervisory employees must be trained every other year.

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CalChamber, is making it easy to get ahead of the game and provide training to employees at a discount! To assist with this requirement, the Chamber is offering discounted online sexual harassment prevention training courses to employees. This is an individual, self-paced training (offered in English and Spanish) to complete when it best fits an employee's schedule.
This online training is a convenient and simple way to ensure that your business is in compliance and avoids fines. Train through this Chamber program to save 20%.
Supervisor Retail Rate: $43.99
Simi Valley Chamber Discount Rate: $35.19

Non Supervisor Retail Rate: $25.99
Simi Valley Chamber Discount Rate: $20.79

In order to receive the discount, you must sign up through this link. For more information, visit https://www.simivalleychamber.org/harassment/
Our monthly Legislative Advocacy Forum meetings are a great opportunity for business owners/operators to hear from our elected officials and government agencies who represent Simi Valley. Attendees will be able to hear updates and ask any questions about legislation.

The June LAF meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 27 at 8 AM via Zoom
IMPACT California, a grassroots legislative effort through the California Chamber of Commerce is the best place to visit to stay up to date with bills in the State Legislature.

Read up on current proposed legislation, check its status, and send electronic letters voicing your opinion to your representatives directly from the website.
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce | 805-526-3900 | samantha@simichamber.org | simichamber.org